Preschool kids will have lots of fun playing a fishing game that helps them learn the alphabet at the same time. There are different things you can use to make it, depending upon the things you have at home, and there are different ways to make the actual game, too. It’ll take little time and only pennies to make the entire thing! But, if you want, you can make something a little more impressive with just a bit more money.
You’ll need a container to use as the fishing hole. A good choice for the container is a large plastic coffee jug. Since the jug has a handle it’s an ideal choice for creating a game that small kids can easily carry. Another option for a container is a clean, empty ice cream carton. Make it a large one for best results.
Decide on the type of things you’ll use to make the alphabet letters. You can use those plastic letters that have a magnet built in, which kids often play with on the refrigerator, or make something less expensive. Cut squares of paper and write a letter on each one. Make all the papers the same color or mix various colors. Use scrapbook paper or just ordinary printer paper. Using what you have on hand means you won’t spend much money – if any at all – to make the alphabet fishing game.
Purchase magnetic sheeting and use it on the backs of the letters to make them magnetic. Cut small squares of the magnet and stick them to the backs of the papers. You’ll find the sheeting at any craft store; it is not expensive. Another choice for magnetizing the letters is to simply tape a paper clip on the back of each one.
To make the fishing pole use your choice of objects. A chopstick is perfect particularly if you tie the yarn or string so that the large end of the chopstick prevents the string from slipping. But, you could use a straw or even a wooden dowel. Cut yarn or twine to be about two feet long and tie one end onto the fishing pole. At the opposite end tape a button magnet.
Place the letters in the container and use the little pole to fish for them. Kids can play “Fish for a vowel” or “Who can make the first word?. There are lots of different games they can try. Make variations by creating number cards instead of letters. Or, write words on the cards and kids can place them in categories to win; food, pet or similar groups work great.
It’s always fun to craft and it’s even better when you can make something that you’d otherwise have to buy. You can buy similar fishing games but why would you when you can make them yourself? Your kids will have hours of fun for the cost of a magnet and some paper clips!
Reference:
Purchase magnetic alphabet letters here: www.ebay.com
